Dear Lifehacker,
I really like using voice-control features on my phone, but have to admit I feel like a weirdo talking to my phone when others are around. Got any suggestions or etiquette rules I'm supposed to obey or ways I can look less creepy while talking to my phone?

Signed,
Speaking To Siri

Dear STS,
Having conversations with and controlling your phone with your voice is great isn't it? And yet, this new technology can also be quite unsettling or annoying, at least for eavesdroppers. Although most people could probably guess that you're talking to Siri when you blurt out at your iPhone "Wake me up at 6:30 am!", just in case, here are some guidelines for using voice apps in public more appropriately and comfortably.

Note: Etiquette is fluid, and if you're living life at the next-level, you may not mind these interactions at all. The way we interact with technology is always evolving, and some day, it may be perfectly naturally to consider a computer another member of a conversation. Until then, though, we present a few rules of thumb worth keeping in mind.

Don't Use Voice Apps When You Could Be Talking To Real People

If you're already talking to another human, try to avoid putting that conversation on hold to talk to your phone. It's just weird, and a little rude. When you're with someone, don't talk to or into your phone. It gets confusing and pushes the boundaries of digital etiquette, just as emailing or texting at dinner does. Unless you can find an urgent reason to start ordering your virtual assistant around and interrupt your meeting or date (we can't think of any either), keep your phone in your pocket.

The Times' tech writer Nick Bilton sat down with ABC anchor Diane Sawyer to discuss the dos…
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For Other Occasions, Treat the Voice App Like a Regular Call

When you're on your own and in situations more conducive to dictating, the best thing to do is to just treat your conversations with your phone like you would a normal phone call. Consider the people around you and the situation you're in: Would you take a phone call or use the speakerphone at that time and place? Then it's probably not that weird to use your voice app here too.

For example, say you're walking down the street and you want to ask your phone for directions. You'd probably take a phone call in that situation. Perfectly normal.

However, in a crowded elevator when no one else is talking, it might be a bit awkward—or maybe even rude—to pull out your phone and start talking to it rather than just typing your message. It should go without saying, but situations and places you do not want to start talking to your phone include: in the movie theater, during sex, and during a company meeting (see Gizmodo if you need further convincing).

Step away for privacy (the way you would at a party for a regular phone call)

If you find yourself having to repeat directions over and over again or you just keep getting bad answers, give up and go the old-fashioned typing route

Basically, treat using your voice app like a phone call, be considerate of the people around you, and you'll be fine. The etiquette of talking to a phone is still evolving, but it's not that strange, so don't feel too self-conscious.

Love,
Lifehacker

P.S. What are your thoughts on the etiquette of using Siri or other voice apps in public?